A blind man has gone viral after sharing his terrifying experience of being trapped inside an elevator at a Hampton Inn In Midtown Atlanta.
Mario Bonds, a blind journalist staying at the hotel during a business trip, says he was trapped in the elevator for 10 minutes because there was no braille on the touchscreen keypad, TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter has learned.
Blind Journalist Gets Trapped In Atlanta Hampton Inn Due To Lack Of Braille Accommodations
A valet eventually figured out someone was stuck and came to help, Bond says. However, when he went to management about it the next day, they said he “should have figured out how to use the alarm.”
Weeks later, the elevator buttons still need to be updated following Bonds’ viral video, which sparked widespread outrage online.
Should the hotel be held accountable for the lack of accessibility options?
The Shade Room investigates…
#TSRInvestigates: Blind Man Trapped in Atlanta Elevator: Hotel Negligence Exposed? // https://t.co/syEgT9bdsj pic.twitter.com/AepqjHCACe
— TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) May 2, 2023
Every Blind Person’s Nightmare: Mario Bonds Trapped Inside Atlanta Hotel Elevator
It’s every blind person’s nightmare, getting stuck in a place or situation without the accessibility options to navigate their way out.
That nightmare quickly became Mario Bonds’ reality during a recent business trip to Atlanta, where he was set to interview R&B singer Nivea.
The lobby at the Midtown Atlanta Hampton Inn is on the 19th floor, which a valet initially assisted him in reaching upon his arrival.
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But without the valet’s constant help, Bonds found himself trapped inside the elevator.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter arrived to see for himself. Although several side buttons had braille, none of the touchpad numbers had any braille, making it impossible for visibly impaired patrons to operate.
The hotel, when confronted, claimed it would be consulting with its elevator company to upgrade any equipment that may need updating.
“It is our policy to comply with all ADA regulations. We immediately took the necessary steps to investigate further, including a consultation with our elevator company regarding potential updates to our equipment. We are also conducting additional training to provide a more seamless guest experience for individuals in need of accessibility accommodations,” a Hampton Inn Suites Hotel spokesperson said.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter On The Case, No Updates Weeks Later
However, TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter returned two weeks later, and the elevator panel still needed to be updated to include braille.
Meanwhile, the Georgia state code requires “all control buttons shall be designated by raised Braille” to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The last inspection listed on that elevator was April 5, 2023, two weeks after Bonds made that now-viral video. However, the buttons still need to be updated to ADA standards.
TSR Investigates’ Justin Carter reached out to the city of Atlanta. The officials are aware of the situation, and The Shade Room will monitor any actions the hotel might take to resolve this.
